Juba for flute choir gives homage to its namesake: a style of hand clapping, leg-slapping, rhythmic word dance found in the origins of both African-American and West African cultures. At the same time, the work is a tone poem about the Juba River, a wildlife-sustaining source that flows through Somalia. JUBA starts with a soulful melody that gives the perspective of taking a riverboat journey through the Northeastern African river, and watching the wildlife that inhabit the savanna. There is an ancient wildly elemental feel within the landscape surrounding the Juba River itself, and the introductory section reflects that with a rich, mysterious, earthy tone. The mood then quickly shifts to a lively dance featuring the same melody as before, but this time accompanied by layers of percussive rhythm, alternating with sections of musical 'jive.' - Performance Notes by Valerie Coleman